Striker Denny John opened the scoring in the 25th minute. A solo effort from D’Assisi’s Arbaaz Sheikh saw their lead double in the 43rd minute.

Although Denny and Arbaaz stole the show, it was Krishna who put his gloves to good use and help his team clinch an important victory. Krishna, who is not the team’s first-choice goalkeeper, made four crucial saves as D’Assisi continued their winning momentum. Saturday’s win was their third in a row.

Krishna replaced regular ’keeper Aaron Mascarenhas a couple of matches ago. Krishna was keen to seal the opportunity when it arrived. “Aaron was under pressure to perform.

Gokul Sir (Gokul Kanchan, D’Assisi coach) asked me to replace him in the second half of the match against Jamnabai Narsee (on August 1). I didn’t want to let go the chance. This is my third match and I am glad that we haven’t lost any match since then,” said Krishna.

Krishna, who hails from a modest background, thanked his IC Colony, Borivli coach Anthony Dias for the encouragement. “My father paints houses. He has taken a loan for my sister’s wedding (two years ago).

It is not possible for him to buy me decent football gear. Anthony Sir takes care of all my expenses. It is because of him that I am able to pursue football,” said Krishna.

Both goal-scorers praised Krishna’s effort under the bar. “We haven’t lost ever since he entered the goalpost. He is doing an excellent work,” said Denny. Arbaaz said: “It was a | crucial match for us. We had to win this. Krishna’s saves helped us win today.”